TROY -- The Dutchman Shoes Trophy is one of the first things that any Union College or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute football player thinks about when they arrive on campus in August.

The Engineers (3-3, 5-3) and Dutchmen (5-1, 5-4) meet Saturday, as the coveted trophy and New York State's oldest college football rivalry adds a new chapter.

"It's one of the events that gets everyone excited," said RPI Athletic Director Jim Knowlton.

RPI and Union have split the last four meetings, with the home team winning each game. The Dutchmen, who haven't won in Troy since 2004, hold a commanding edge in the overall series having won 80 of the previous 109 meetings.

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Union has possession of the trophy, following last season's 38-28 victory at Frank Bailey Field. The Dutchmen intend on returning to Schenectady, Saturday with the trophy in its possession.

"They are the Dutchman Shoes, so they belong at Union and we're going to keep them at Union," said senior offensive lineman Elias Damouni.

The teams are asking all players, coaches and fans to bring a non-perishable food item to the game. All donations will go to benefit the Salvation Army of Troy. Those who donate items will be admitted free of charge.

Unlike recent years, the game will not air on Time Warner Cable Sports. Also, unlike last season, the game is the final regular-season game for both squads and will remain there for at least the next four years.

"I think it should be there," said Union coach John Audino. "I like it there. It creates a lot more excitement for your program, regardless of where you are record-wise."

RPI has lost its past two games, falling out of contention for a league title. Union lost to Hobart, two weeks ago, which eliminated it from NCAA contention. Still, this game will have no less importance.

"It's not hard to get up for this game," said RPI tight end and Troy native Mike Blais. "I think all of us want to end our regular season with a bang."

It doesn't take much for the team's to put aside anything that went wrong this year and get prepared for this rivalry matchup.

"There's no need to refocus," said Engineers quarterback Mike Hermann. "We've experienced our adversities this year, but we're still looking towards that common goal of winning each game, each week."

RPI has set out to return each of the two rivalry trophies to the case at East Campus Athletic Village. They regained possession of the Transit Trophy by beating WPI, 39-17, back in September.

"These trophy games are important to us and certainly none bigger than the game on Saturday," said RPI acting head coach Bob Bodor.

The Dutchmen have focused from the first day of practice, on keeping the Shoes.

"It really is a big deal, especially to the alumni and the people that played and put the Union uniform on," said Damouni.

The Dutchmen started 0-3 for the second straight season. With a victory Saturday, the Union would post its second consecutive 6-4 campaign, and share the conference crown.

"The guys have really responded well to the leadership of the seniors and the captains and the coaches," said Audino.

This game may not have NCAA tournament implications, but there's no doubt it will be hotly contested.

"This is what everyone looks forward to," Hermann said. "This is what the city of Troy and the city of Schenectady look forward to. It has a playoff atmosphere -- a championship atmosphere."